Exclusive: Rubie Evans - "It's Okay"

I've been listening to a lot of down tempo music in recent weeks so this track is right on time. I had no idea what to expect going into this track. Rubie Evans is entirely new to my radar, but that is the greatest joy in doing what I do. I get all sorts of surprises that can change a moment, a day, maybe even a life.

Rubie Evans is a New York City based singer and songwriter looking to take Uptown upstage. Her single, "It's Okay" really stopped me. I was taken aback by the calm and quiet of it all. Without all of the excess, I was really able to get into the truth of the song. That is not an easy thing to do. To be this private in public is always beautiful...

...and beautiful best describes this song. Rubie does a fantastic job with this track. Though there were some technical issues for me, it didn't matter. This girl can sing and this song is dope! The melody and sentiment trump any other issues.

The track is pulled from her forthcoming 'MISSunderstood' album due this summer. No date has been set as of yet. You already know to stay tuned to RoxFontaine.com for updates. Hold on to this in the meantime...

Mike Classic - "Pandora's Box" Music Video

Queens MC Mike Classic drops off the latest music video from last year's 'Where Amazing Happens' which reached Bronze status on DatPiff. For the uninitiated, that means he cracked 25,000 downloads! Very impressive for any independent artist. Now men lie, women lie and numbers do too in this digital age but Mike Classic is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Set to a Baron Boys reinterpretation of The Fugees' classic "Ready or Not," Mike puts on a lyrical showcase that grabs you and locks you down from the first bar to the last. He bounces topics about loyalty, deceit, love, and of course, being a superior MC. Very well done and steeped in distinct NY sound, look and feel.

Give it a listen and get ready for 'Where Amazing Happens II' in the near future.

Homeboy Sandman - "Couple Bars" Music Video

I'm convinced that Homeboy Sandman has a 3rd lung or something. Not only is he incredibly gifted as a lyricist but what he does with technique is outrageous! Where most rappers would be gasping for air, Sandy flows on and on as if he doesn't need oxygen.

"Couple Bars" is the latest track from the critically acclaimed 'First of a Living Breed' album to get a visual treatment. In signature Homeboy Sandman fashion, it's beautifully simple, honest and creative. The video takes me back to my teen years. I remember ogling all of the lovely women that I would pass on the street but having no confidence to talk to them. If I could rap like Sandy, this video just may have happened in my life!

Check out the new video and marvel at Sandy's skill...

MaG - 'freedom.'

The simplest way for me to approach this is to say this; This is a really beautiful project.

I've been following MaG's music for just over a year now. The title track from this project was the first I ever heard from him and I was very much impressed with his sound. So impressed that I went to hear him live a few months later.

Here we are at the top of 2013 and the full project is finally out in the universe. 'freedom.' is really fine work. The overall tone is a somber one but it's full of energy. It's very clear that this was a well thought out product. The lyrics are highly conceptual and the music is full but not intrusive.

MaG reminds me of Gil Scott-Heron in ways. He's very poetic so fans of lyricism will really appreciate this project. See for yourself...

Full stream below.

AC - 'Courtesy of a Nightmare'

I was sifting through my mental Rolodex earlier today trying to figure out what I wanted to listen to on Spotify. Eric Sosa came to mind so I ran a search for him. Not much of his work came up. This 'Courtesy of a Nightmare' was in the search results so I clicked on it, pressed play and went back to work.

I listened to most of the first song and thought, "This ain't Eric Sosa but it's damn good! What am I listening to? Who dis?"

Meet AC. Apparently this dude has been operating at a high level right under my nose here in NY. Representing Staten Island, AC has clearly worked all kinks out of his game and is delivering all-star work. 'Courtesy of a Nightmare' is a fantastic project delving into a bevy of themes and ideas and it all works beautifully. The project is further strengthened by the production, handled exclusively by C4 Sinistah.

First impressions are extremely important and AC has made a considerable one with 'Courtesy of a Nightmare.' You will LOVE this album. It's rich in content, style and delivery. He's definitely gained a fan over here.

Check out the free stream below but you'll need to put up a little paper to take it with you. Well worth the purchase price. Dig in...

Random Pics Pt. 21: Best of Comic Con 2012

I've never been to Comic Con before but I was basically forced to go this year. I actually enjoyed the event and ended up going back for a second day. There were TONS of costumes and while I got sick of seeing Fin/Fiona, Wonder Woman, Bane, and Robin, there were some very original and or creative people there that truly stood out in the crowd. Here are my favorites for Random Pics 21...

Weeping Angel from Doctor Who 

Garrus Vakarian 

Sabretooth 

Gaara 

Nightingales from Skyrim 

 Freija from Final Fantasy IX

Princess Tiana

D-Why - "We Don't Know" Music Video

This Rap music thing is completely on it's head right now. Thinking back to the street roots and about how, why and for whom the music was created, it's interesting to hear the new direction the style has taken. While the sound is far from the break beats and scratches of yesterday, there are some things that just don't change. After all is said and done, Rap is still about rapping.

D-Why is serious about this rapping thing and I've been impressed with this style and delivery since I first heard him. Just released today is the official music video for "We Don't Know."  I would call it a crossover record but it's not really crossover when you're already on the other side. This is just a really dope rapper with his own lane.

When thinking about what Rap is and what it could be ... we just have to say "We Don't Know." Check this super clean video and song below and stay tuned into D-Why.

Cash Sinatra - "Never Have I Ever"

This joint right here got lost in my inbox for a while. I'm glad I stumbled upon it again. I dropped the ball on this guy! It's a shame too because I like this young fellow.

It's obvious where the inspiration for this Triad Beatz production came from but Cash Sinatra is pretty dope. He's got all the right tools to get to the next level and I'm hoping he has the right team around him to help.

On "Never Have I Ever" Cash flexes his skill with wordplay and punchlines. The kick off to the second verse made me snap to and really start paying attention. Sure enough, Cash Sinatra is puttin' down tight work. Check the audio below of the single from 'Scenic Route 1.5.'

TKFQ - "Free Ya Mind"

I love when dope music sneaks up on me like this. We all know that NYC is brimming with talent but I'm still surprised when I hear artists like TKFQ (Tha Kid From Queens). This 19 year old rapper, obviously, from Queens is mighty impressive with his flow, cadence and vocabulary.

Sitting right in the pocket of today's "Hipster-Hop" TKFQ has it all in place. Even production by MG is spot on. Using a brief vocal sample from The Matrix, he works out over a blaring funked out horn sample that screams 90s Hip-Hop. It's 100% dope. I will most definitely be checking for the young gunner going forward.

Check out "Free Ya Mind" below and let me know what you think in the comments. Is TKFQ on his way up?

ThaKidFromQueens-Free Ya Mind by ThaKidFromQueens

Malynda Hale - "Borrowed Time"

What a pleasant surprise Malynda Hale is! When I opened the e-mail that contained Malynda's info, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. This So-Cal born singer has a mighty bright future ahead of her. After the first track I heard I thought, "She's dope. Different." After the second song I was talking to her manager. Sooo.... expect to see an interview with Ms. Hale late March.

For instant gratification's sake, check out "Borrowed Time" from her upcoming full-length release 'The Train Ride Home.'  On this mid-tempo Pop tune the singer tells a story of a girl who's feeling like she's only a second best replacement for an ex-girlfriend. It's fantastic songwriting by Lena Leon and Shawn Lopes and a great vocal performance from Malynda.

Check the stream below and definitely keep this artist in your mental Rolodex. We'll get into the detail of who she is in March. Stay tuned....

Correction: "Borrowed Time" is a demo song and will NOT be featured on the album.

Niko Villamor - "Gratitude for Gratuity" feat. B. Rossi

I like what Niko Villamor is up to. I really enjoyed 'Inertia.' Well, it's still in my car actually. I was listening to it last night on my way back from Brooklyn. Anyway, this is the first new track to drop since the album's release. In it, Villa cautions those who would otherwise confuse "Gratitude for Gratuity."

This is a very different look from what listeners experienced on 'Inertia.' Where 'Inertia' was, "Here's my story. It's kinda sad. I'm not sad though." this song is more, "F you! Pay me." Featured on the track is B. Rossi, from Atlanta, who produced the track and supplied the extra verse. I gotta say, I love the unexpected melodic progression on this. You got that one off, Homie! All in all a dope track. Check the audio and free download below.

Niko Villamor - "Gratitude For Gratuity" feat. B. Rossi by RoxFontaine

T.L. Cross - "The World Soul EP" Vol. 1

Producer/Singer/Songwriter T.L. Cross is one of the best things shaking on the indie scene right now. You probably know him from "All Falls Down" with Jadakiss. That is probably the least relevant measure of his talent however. This guy has serious chops as a musician.

I've had the opportunity to see him perform live and believe me when I tell you that his show is off the chain. T.L. brings an energy from 90s R&B that is incredibly infectious. It doesn't sound like 90s R&B at all but there is a retro aura about the music. Maybe it's simply the fact that T.L. actually plays instruments and understands how to craft a full song with an intro, bridge, coda, etc.

The nearest comparison would be Ryan Leslie but T.L.'s work is much more "old soul". "The World Soul EP" is a fantastic showcase of T.L. Cross' abilities as a musician. From the uptempo "New York City Boy" to the downtempo of "How to Make Up", he shows his range as a vocalist, creativity as a producer and strength as a songwriter.

The project is available now on iTunes. Definitely support this wonderful independent artist and get the EP. You will not regret it. Click below to find T.L. on twitter and to preview the music on iTunes.

T.L. Cross on Twitter

Preview "The World Soul EP" Vol. 1

Extra - "New York, New York" Music Video

About a month ago I happened to be on the set of the first shoot for this video. We had a great location by the water in Brooklyn and perfect weather. After a few edits, 3 weeks and lots of frustration the project and director were canned.

Extra is the debut artist of Pivot Records; a new indy label headed by radio host Xxxotic Mami. To establish a label is obviously no easy task and all of the right pieces must be in place to be successful. Launching your first artist with a lame video and/or song is a surefire way to bury yourself before you start.

Pivot Records then connected with director B-Radical. The result is this new video for Extra's debut single, "New York, New York." Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments. Is Extra on his way?

Siya - "I Put N****s On" Music Video

Finally! The streets have been clamoring for a new music video from Siya since the release of her video for "I'm Gone." The video was shot in Los Angeles and directed by Mike Ho. The creative vision of both artists was a match made in heaven and they vowed to work together again soon.

They kept their word and Mike flew to New York a few months ago and the two shot a series of videos for songs featured on Siya's "Elevator Dreams" disc. The first of them to release is "I Put N****s On". Siya gets her "Boss" on cruising in a Maybach and showing a young man, "How to move it."

The interesting point is that the videos seem to have been worked into a continued story. Mike Ho, as usual, delivers super slick visuals and dynamic editing. I can't wait to see the next release in the series! For now, check this out and enjoy...

Siya on twitter

Fruits of Labor

Networking is a key component to what I do here on this weblog. Whenever I'm out and about at events, I'm not just working to bring you truly unique coverage. I'm also working to build on the foundation I've already established. All for the sake of bringing you bigger, better and more engaging content. That means talking to people, sharing ideas and following through.

It is with great pleasure that I share with you my first support role for a major industry event! I'm blessed and proud to be mentioned with Russell Gustave, Atlantic Records, Universal Records, Fred the Godson, Nikki Rich Models, Skyy Vodka, Mills Miller and many more. Check out the video below and MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the event. Come out and party with us. It's going to be epic.

Click here to join me on twitter!

'Girls Got Kicks' Book Launch

East Harlem sneaker boutique Goliath played host to the official launch of 'Girls Got Kicks.' The first stop of a multi-city tour that currently has release parties scheduled in Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto and even Johannesburg, among others! The book is an in depth look at female sneaker culture around the world. Covering everything from Tomboys and Girly Girls to Mothers and the "four letter word" ... pink. It truly is a fantastic work, in words and pictures, and author Lori Lobenstine absolutely nailed it.

Ladies featured in the book signed their respective pages and took pictures as guests mingled. I was very excited to see these every day heroines be superstars. As they are largely underrepresented in this sub culture and under-served by shoe companies, they took it upon themselves to show the world in a BIG way that they love this culture/hobby just as much as the next ... guy.

Check out a couple of photos from the event and hop over to the Girls Got Kicks website to learn more about the book and to purchase your copy. Definitely be on the lookout for GGK in your city!

www.GirlsGotKicks.com

Featured: @AtheGrreat

Author: @GirlsGotKicks with her gift from RoxFontaine.com

Featured: @NYCApproved

Featured: @Feeway730

Featured: @AirKarinaBX23

 www.femalesneakerfiend.com

"Don't sleep on the ladies."

Congratulations to AVision Magazine!

RoxFontaine.com extends a most sincere congratulations to Amanda Villacis on the successful launch of AVision Magazine!

I had the pleasure of attending the launch party at La Pomme last week and, trust me, it was a blast! This startup magazine was established to give up and coming talent in NYC a new and exciting platform to gain exposure. I can relate entirely to Amanda's vision as that's a large part of the mission of this blog.

Best wishes to Ms. Villacis and the entire AVision Magazine staff.

Editor-In-Chief of AVision Magazine Amanda Villacis

Fev vs. Royce Castro

In the spirit of friendly competition, I'm trying this series on for the blog to pit hot indie artists up against each other to see who readers think had the better take on their respective covers, remixes and instrumentals.

In this first matchup, we have rappers Fev from Harlem and Royce Castro from Lawnside, NJ delivering rhymes over the instrumental to Mickey Factz' "Paradise".  I don't know what to call the series yet so, for now it's just Fev vs. Royce Castro.  Let me know who you thought had the more interesting rendition in the comments!

VS.

SoSoon - The Bandwagon

 

RoxFontaine.com is an expression of Hip-Hop as fine art. If this blog had a soundtrack, SoSoon's 'The Bandwagon' would be it. The self proclaimed "Spike Lee of Hip-Hop" has directed a musical film of epic proportions without the convoluted climax scene typical of Spike's work. Nay, this is clear and concise communication set to a truly unique sound tailored to SoSoon's silky smooth delivery and incredible story telling skill.

The 13 track debut album is chock full of "Yo, rewind that!" moments, bangin' beats and top notch lyricism. The album takes you through the club, unhealthy relationships, self reflection and social commentary seamlessly. This isn't just the standard industry fare "1 of each" approach to album making. This is the total expression of a young man discovering himself, his sound and his future. He explains his poor spending habits on "Blowing Money". He tells of his infatuation with a love that wasn't meant to be on "Forbidden Fruit". Of course, he warns would be challengers of his lyrical prowess on the Michael Jackson sampled "Who's Bad?" 

Where this album really takes off and truly separates SoSoon from the pack is on the incredibly insightful and honest "The Underclass". The artist forces you to stop and reflect on the people that keep New York City running over a wonderfully produced track powered by a spacey Rhodes and soupy bass line. It makes me wish I had a record label.  I'd sign this dude immediately after hearing this song. This isn't just the work of a rapper. This is the work of a visionary.

Stream the album below but SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS and buy this album! This will be the best money you spend this week. I promise.

SoSoon Website

SoSoon @ Bandcamp

SoSoon on Twitter

Fat Beats

Fat Beats has been a Hip-Hop staple in New York city over the last 16 years.  Unfortunately, the digital age has forced the record shop to close it's final storefront's doors for good.  Fat Beats as a company is still in business thankfully and those who still need their vinyl fix can find them at FatBeats.com.

The last week of face to face business was highlighted by in-store performances from some of the stores long standing friends.  I went out for Friday's performances/appearances by by Brown Bag All-Stars, Tonedeff, PackFM, J Live, Masta Ace and others.

The small store was very crowded and hot beyond belief but fans stuck it out for the love of Hip-Hop and what Fat Beats has meant to the Hip-Hop community.  It was cool seeing all of the regular patrons, fans and people just drawn in by the crowd vibing to the music and energy.

Today marked the final performances and there were some major names scheduled to show up, including DJ Premier and Just Blaze.  I opted out of going downtown again to catch them.  I never frequented Fat Beats but I've been to the store several times and it was always a very unique and classic energy in the building.  I hate to see stores like this close.  These types of establishments embody the heart and soul of our culture. 

Check out a few pics of the performances...